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China has been keeping a tight vigil on online content as internet usage gains popularity in the country

Chinese firms have agreed to increase their censorship of internet content as authorities seeks greater control over the medium.

The heads of 39 companies including Baidu and Alibaba agreed to "curb rumours" and the spreading of "harmful information", official media reported.

Chinese authorities has often been accused of censoring online material to maintain control over its population.

China is the world's biggest internet market.

The move comes just weeks after Communist Party leaders agreed a list of "cultural development guidelines" which included increased controls over social media and penalties for those spreading "harmful information".

Increased scrutiny

The decision was agreed upon after a three-day session hosted by the government and attended by heads of some of the biggest internet and technology companies in China.

The meeting was presided over by Wang Chen, director of the State Council Information Office, the government's propaganda and information arm.